Casava Production in Nigeria: A Story of Landslide Achievement in Four Years and Prospects Possibilities for the Near Future
In the past four years, Nigeria has made significant strides in casava production. From 2014 to 2018, the nation’s output of the crop has nearly doubled, making it the 4th largest producer on the African continent. This monumental achievement has been largely driven by continued investments in agricultural production, improved crop yield and increased access to markets.
It’s estimated that as of 2018, Nigeria produced approximately 36 million metric tonnes of cassava. This is a notable figure, as it represents a 90% increase from 2014. Moreover, viable access to markets beyond domestic consumer demand contributed to this surge. In fact, more than two-thirds of cassava grown in Nigeria was exported to other countries. This has been particularly beneficial, as it has allowed the country to diversify its portfolio and access new resources.
Particularly, the Government of Nigeria has played a major role in helping the country's cassava sector flourish. In 2014, the Nigerian government unveiled the National Root Crop Research Institute to promote improved yields, manage research, and provide support to smallholder farmers. This has been an important factor in allowing the country to expand production and position itself as a major international exporter.
In the near future, Nigeria should strive to maintain and improve their level of casava production. As the commodity continues to gain traction, there is a strong opportunity for the nation to position itself as a global leader. This can be done through continued investment in technologies to aid farmers, expanding access to viable markets, and improving crop yield and quality. In addition, Nigeria should also work to bolster private sector investment, as this would bolster current output and create new opportunities for growth.
Ultimately, Nigeria's success in casava production has been immense. With targeted initiatives and increased public and private investment, there is no limit to the success the nation can achieve in the near future. Casava is an important crop in the nation, and Nigeria has done a commendable job of positioning itself as a leader and a major exporter. The tremendous improvement in production has been a testament to the nation's efforts and with proper support, Nigeria could reach even greater heights in the future.
Cassava Production in Nigeria: A Look at the Landmark Achievements and Prospects in the Future
Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of cassava with an estimated output of over 33 million metric tonnes annually. Despite its potential, cassava production has not been optimally utilized and as a result, production has lagged behind other major producing countries in Africa such as Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and DR Congo. Thus, there is need to develop strategies to boost cassava production in Nigeria and this is what the government has been working on in the last four years.
In the last four years, there have been significant achievements in the sector. For instance, in 2018, the federal government through the National Cassava Transformation Agenda (NCTA) implemented various policies to increase the value of cassava in the country and promote its utilization in food production, animal feeds and starch extractions. The NCTA was bolstered by the provision of improved seedlings, storage facilities and extension personnel. This resulted in increased production and improved quality of cassava with an associated increase in farmers’ income.
Improving the logistics of cassava production has also been a priority of the government. Through the Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), the government has provided support for cassava farmers through access to loans and other forms of financing. This has enabled farmers to invest in improved inputs such as better seedlings, fertilizers, storage facilities and mechanized processing practices. Furthermore, the government has also rolled out several innovative programs aimed at helping cassava farmers grow their businesses and operate in a more commercial fashion. One such program is the Nigeria Cassava Revalue Initiative which provides assistance to cassava growers in developing unique value chains which in turn lead to significantly higher yields from cassava crops.
Recent research into NyCass (Nigeria Cassava Growers’ Association) has revealed significant improvement in cassava production in Nigeria in the last four years. The NyCass reported that compared to 2015, a total of 14 percent more lands were devoted to cassava production in 2017. This was further bolstered by increased yield per hectare resultant of improved implemented and drought resistant technologies such as NERICA (New Rice for Africa) varieties developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
In addition, the commercialization of the sector has been greatly improved in the last four years. The government has embarked on several initiatives to link cassava farmers to markets that consume cassava products. Through the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), cassava producers have been provided access to funds and increased access to international markets. This has resulted in increased demand and farmers being able to receive better prices for their products.
Overall, it is evident that the Nigerian government has made considerable strides in the cassava production sector in the last four years. From improved inputs to an increase in efficiency and access to funding as well as access to markets, Nigeria has witnessed a landmark improvement of its cassava sector.
As far as the prospects in the near future are concerned, the good news is that the government is committed to further develop the sector. Over the next four years, the government will continue to increase Cassava production and value through increased access to inputs, financing and improved extension services. Also, the Focus Labs initiative of the government will be monitored closely to ensure proper management of resources and to develop new technologies for the increased production and competitiveness of Nigeria’s cassava industry. Furthermore, the government will continue to promote the commercialization of the sector. These efforts will go a long way in ensuring sustained growth of Nigeria’s cassava sector.
In conclusion, the developments in the cassava production sector in Nigeria in the last four years has been very encouraging. The government’s commitment to developing the sector is commendable and the future bodes good for the industry in Nigeria. With the strategies already implemented, and more to come, Nigeria is on its way to becoming the foremost producer of cassava in the world which will boost its economy significantly.
You must be logged in to post a comment.